1. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
If you want to see one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world, head straight to Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s Atlantic coast. This 20-mile stretch of protected shoreline hosts more loggerhead turtle nests than any other U.S. beach, along with thousands of green and leatherback turtles every year. Nesting season runs from May to October, with peak activity happening in June and July when hundreds of female turtles crawl ashore each night to lay their eggs. Early morning or late at night is the best time to spot them, and guided night tours offer a chance to witness this incredible event without disturbing the turtles. If you’re lucky, you might even see hatchlings making their mad dash to the ocean under the moonlight.
2. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Padre Island National Seashore isn’t just a beautiful stretch of untouched coastline—it’s also the most critical nesting site in the U.S. for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Unlike other sea turtles that nest at night, Kemp’s ridleys are known for their rare mass nesting events called arribadas, where dozens or even hundreds of females lay their eggs at the same time—usually in April through July. The best time to visit is in June, when park rangers release hatchlings into the ocean at sunrise, offering visitors a rare chance to see baby turtles taking their first swim. Since Kemp’s ridley turtles are the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species, witnessing this event feels like watching a conservation miracle unfold right before your eyes.
3. Juno Beach, Florida
Juno Beach is a sea turtle paradise, with its shores hosting thousands of nests from loggerheads, leatherbacks, and green turtles each year. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center, located right on the beach, offers nighttime guided walks during peak nesting season (May through August) where you can see massive loggerhead turtles laying their eggs up close. Juno Beach has one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests in the world, meaning you’re almost guaranteed to see a nesting turtle or hatchlings if you visit during the right time. The nearby Juno Beach Pier is also a great spot to watch juvenile sea turtles swimming just offshore. If you’re a turtle lover, this beach belongs at the top of your bucket list.
4. Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
Located just north of Kennedy Space Center, Canaveral National Seashore is a pristine and undeveloped coastline that serves as a nesting ground for three different species of sea turtles: loggerheads, green turtles, and leatherbacks. The best time to visit is between May and August, when thousands of turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the soft, warm sand. Since this beach is part of a protected national park, there are no high-rise hotels or artificial lights to disturb the turtles, making it one of the best places to observe natural nesting behavior. Night tours are available, but even if you visit during the day, you’ll see plenty of marked nests dotting the sand. Keep an eye out for fresh turtle tracks in the early morning—a clear sign that a mother turtle made her journey up the beach the night before.
5. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras isn’t the first place most people think of for sea turtle nesting, but this quiet stretch of North Carolina coastline has become an important site for loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles. Nesting season runs from May through September, with peak hatching activity in late summer when tiny turtles emerge from the sand and race toward the waves. The National Park Service carefully monitors and protects the nests, often relocating eggs to safer areas if storms threaten the shore. Visitors can sometimes join ranger-led hatchling releases, where lucky onlookers get to see baby turtles instinctively crawl toward the sea. If you’re looking for a lesser-known but magical place to see sea turtles, Cape Hatteras is a must-visit.
6. Topsail Island, North Carolina
Topsail Island is home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, which rescues injured and sick sea turtles and plays a vital role in conservation efforts along the North Carolina coast. While loggerhead turtles are the main species that nest here, green and Kemp’s ridley turtles also make appearances during nesting season, which runs from May through August. The island is famous for its hatchling releases, where volunteers carefully guide baby turtles safely to the ocean. The rescue center offers tours, where visitors can learn about rehabilitated turtles before they’re released back into the wild. If you love turtles and want to support their conservation, this is one of the best places in the U.S. to visit.
7. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida & Mississippi
Spanning both Florida and Mississippi, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a crucial nesting area for loggerhead and green sea turtles. The warm, sandy beaches provide perfect nesting conditions, with most activity occurring between May and September. Since this area is part of a protected national park, it offers minimal light pollution, making it an ideal habitat for hatchlings to safely make their way to the ocean. Visitors often spot fresh turtle tracks in the sand during early morning walks, a sign that nesting occurred the night before. If you want a quieter, less crowded place to witness sea turtles nesting, this Gulf Coast paradise is a great choice.
8. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote sea turtle nesting spots in the U.S.. Located 70 miles west of Key West, its isolated beaches are a prime nesting ground for loggerhead and green sea turtles from May through October. Since there’s no artificial lighting or human development, this area provides ideal conditions for hatchlings. Snorkelers and divers often spot juvenile turtles swimming near the coral reefs, making it one of the best places to see sea turtles both on land and underwater. If you’re up for an adventure and want to experience untouched nature, Dry Tortugas is a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
9. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island and a protected sea turtle nesting site known for its untouched beaches and rich wildlife. Loggerhead turtles arrive here in May through September, with hatching peaking in late summer. Since Cumberland Island is only accessible by ferry, it remains peaceful and undeveloped, providing an excellent habitat for turtles. Visitors can take guided turtle walks with park rangers, who monitor and protect the nesting areas. If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-grid place to witness sea turtle magic, this hidden gem is worth the trip.
10. Edisto Beach State Park, South Carolina
Edisto Beach is a key nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, and its turtle protection programs make it a great place for visitors to learn about conservation efforts. Nesting season runs from May through August, with hatching usually happening between July and October. The park hosts educational programs and nighttime turtle walks, allowing visitors to see nesting turtles without disturbing them. Volunteers patrol the beaches to protect nests from predators, ensuring that as many hatchlings as possible make it safely to the ocean. If you want a family-friendly beach with an eco-conscious vibe, Edisto Beach is the perfect spot.
